Hazard Communication: GHS TrainingValley City State University | Facilities Services

What is GHS?“A worldwide effort to standardize hazardous

communication.”

• GHS is an acronym for the Globally Harmonized System for the classification and labeling for chemicals.• G = Globally• H= Harmonized• S= System

• GHS was developed by the United Nations and is implemented worldwide.

• The goal of GHS is to ensure employers, employees, and the public are provided with adequate, practical, reliable, and comprehendible information on hazardous chemicals.

The NEW GHS System

• In 2012, OSHA adopted the NEW GHS system.• What does this mean for VCSU?• New format for MSDSs Safety Data Sheets• New GHS labeling elements• Pictograms• Signal words• Hazard statements• Precautionary statements

“The New Globally Harmonized System”

SAFETY DATA SHEETS**See handout for new layout**

Role of SDSs

• Primary use: the workplace• The SDSs should provide comprehensive information

about a chemical substance or mixture.• Employers and workers use the SDSs as a source of

information about hazards and to obtain advice on safety precautions.

New SDS Format

• The new SDSs will have 16 categories (all the same and in the same location)• Identification of the substance or mixture and of the supplier• Hazards identification• Composition/information on ingredients• First aid measures• Firefighting measures• Accidental release measures• Handling and storage• Exposure controls/personal protection• Physical and chemical properties• Stability and reactivity• Toxicological information

New SDS Format (cont.)

• These categories are mandated, but not enforced by OSHA• Ecological information (EPA)• Disposal considerations (EPA)• Transport information (DOT)• Regulatory information• Other information including information on preparation and

revision of the SDSs.

1. Identification of the Substance/Mixture & Supplier

• GHS product identifier• Other means of identification• Recommended use of the chemical and restrictions on

use• Supplier’s details (including name, address, phone

number, etc.)• Emergency phone number

Hazards Identification

• GHS classification of the substance/mixture and any national or regional information.• Categorized in 4 classes– from severe to not severe

• GHS label elements, including precautionary statements (hazard symbols may be provided)

• Other hazards which do not result in classification (ex. dust explosion hazard– those that are not covered by GHS)

Composition/Information on Ingredients

• Substance• Chemical identity• Common name, synonyms, etc.• Impurities and stabilizing additives• HNOC (Hazards not otherwise categorized)– new to GHS• Mixture

The chemical identity and concentration or concentration ranges of all ingredients which are hazardous within the meaning of the GHS and are present above their cutoff levels.

First Aid Measures

• Description of necessary measures, subdivided according to the different routes of exposure (ex. inhalation, skin and eye contact, and ingestion)

• Most important symptoms/effect, acute and delayed• Indication of immediate medical attention and special

treatment needed, if necessary

Firefighting Measures

• Suitable and unsuitable extinguishing media• Specific hazards arising from the chemical (ex. nature of

any hazardous combustion products)• Special protective equipment and precautions for

firefighters

Accidental Release Measures

• Personal precautions, protective equipment, and emergency procedures

• Environmental precautions• Methods and material for containment and cleaning up

Handling and Storage

• Precautions for safe handling• Conditions for safe storage, including any

incompatibilities

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

• Control parameters (ex. occupational exposure limit values)

• Appropriate engineering controls• Individual protection measures, such as personal

protective equipment• Employees should be asking, “How do I protect myself?”

Physical and Chemical Properties

• Appearance• Odor• Odor threshold• pH• Melting point/freezing point• Initial boiling point and boiling range• Flash point• Evaporation rate

Physical and Chemical Properties (cont.)

• Flammability (solid, gas)• Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits• Vapor pressure• Vapor density• Relative density• Solubility(ies)• Etc.

Stability and Reactivity

• Chemical stability• Possibility of hazardous reactions• Conditions to avoid (static discharge, shock, or vibration)• Incompatible materials• Hazardous decomposition products

Toxicological Information

• Information on the likely routes of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact)

• Symptoms related to the physical, chemical, and toxicological characteristics

• Delayed and immediate effects and also chronic effects from short-and long-term exposure

• Numerical measures of toxicity

Ecological Information (new)

• Not required for OSHA• Eco toxicity (aquatic and terrestrial where available)• Persistence and degradability• Bio accumulative potential• Mobility in soil• Other adverse effects

Disposal Considerations

• Description of waste residues and information on their safe handling and methods of disposal, including the disposal of any contaminated packaging.

Transport Information

• Under DOT Jurisdiction

Regulatory Information

• Safety , health, and environmental regulations specific for the product in question.

Other Information

• Mostly for shipping and receiving.• This section will include the manufacturer date of the

chemical and the date the SDS was revised.

GHS LABELING**See handout for new layout**

GHS Labeling

• Product Identifier- chemical identity• Supplier Identification- name, address, etc.• Precautionary Statements- advice*• Hazard Pictograms- visual warning*• Signal Words- degree of hazard*• Hazard Statements- nature of hazard*• Supplemental Information- additional information about

the substance

GHS Label

Label: Pictogram Shape, Color, and Meaning

• Pictograms will have a black symbol on a white background with a red diamond border/frame.

Label: Signal Words

• Signal words are used to emphasize hazard and discriminate between levels of hazard.

• The signal word indicates the relative degree of severity of a hazard. The signal words used in GHS are:• “DANGER” (more severe)• “WARNING” (less severe)

• **NOTE** “CAUTION” is NOT a signal word for the GHS.

Label: Hazard Statements

• A statement is assigned to a hazard class and category that describes the nature of the hazard(s) of a chemical; including, where appropriate, the degree of hazards.

• Example for flammable liquids:• Category 1– Extremely flammable liquid and vapors• Category 2– Highly flammable liquid and vapor• Category 3– Flammable liquid and vapor• Category 4– Combustible liquid• Fatal if swallowed• Toxic if swallowed• Harmful if swallowed• May be harmful if swallowed

Label: Precautionary Statements

• Precautionary Statement– a phrase that describes recommended measures to be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure to a hazardous chemical or improper storage or handling.• Ex. wear protective gloves, wear splash protection for face,

keep away from heat/sparks/open flame• All labels and warnings shall be in English, and prominently

displayed or readily available.

Secondary Labels

• Needs all the information from the original shipping labelOR

• Product identifier & words, pictures, symbols which provide at least general information regarding the hazards and which will provide the specific information regarding the physical and health hazards

OR• Signs, placards, process sheets, batch tickets, operation

procedures, etc. for stationary containers.

THIS CONCLUDES THIS PORTION OF THE TRAINING…Take a 5 minute stretch break before we continue to the next module.